Meek Doesn't Mean Weak
. In the religious context, meek represents a submissive, trusting attitude toward God’s will, and not at all about being weak.
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the land.” Matthew 5:4
One of the most misunderstood words we find in in the Bible is the word “meek.” People will often mistake meek for weak, but It’s far from the truth! A meek person is viewed as one who is afraid to speak up, subservient, or allows others to use him/her as a doormat! Moses, the great Lawgiver is described in the Old Testament as the meekest man ever known (Numbers 12:3), yet when he courageously confronted the powerful Rameses, he was anything but weak!
Jesus said of Himself that HE is “meek and humble of heart,” (Matthew 11:29) yet when we look at how courageously He confronted the Jewish leadership, His persecutors, and Pontius Pilate, Our Savior was anything but weak! Jesus was far from being a man of weakness, and in His Sermon on the Mount, He commended all those who follow His example. He says that they will “inherit the land!” Jesus’ statement that “the meek shall inherit the land” (Matthew 5:5) means that those who are gentle, humble, and submissive to God—rather than arrogant or aggressive—will inherit the ultimate blessings of God’s kingdom. The land signifies both a present spiritual peace and the future new heaven and earth.
The problem with the understanding of “meek” stems from the fact that there isn’t a word in the English language that is true to the Greek word “praus” used in the New Testament for meek. Scripture scholars do explain that meek is not a weakness but a strength, however not everyone is a scholar and is privy to this information when reading the Bible for inspiration, encouragement, and guidance. In the religious context, meek represents a submissive, trusting attitude toward God’s will, and not at all about being weak.
In short, meek is a virtue that enables us to see God in all things, especially during those difficult times in our lives. Moses trusted that God would be true to His promises and deliver the people from slavery in Egypt. Jesus trusted in His Father’s plan for our redemption by His suffering and death on the cross. A meek person doesn’t shy away, become timid, or remain speechless, but rather, is a person who is humbled before God and is confident that He will see him/her through life’s darkest moments.
As you face your darkest moment in life, being meek will make the difference in whether you overcome your trials or are overcome by them. Meekness isn’t weakness, but a confidence in God’s Presence. Not some of the time, but ALL the time! Like all virtues, we must pray for this gift. Know that when you approach Jesus who is meek and gentle of heart, that you have a place to lay your burden and receive the comfort and peace that only He can provide. When Jesus said that the meek will inherit the land – He meant it! He promises that whoever places their faith and trust in Him will survive any trial and become part of the “new” earth, made possible by the price paid by Him on the cross.
The meek person lives on this earth with the confidence and joyful expectation of that day when he/she will share in the eternal happiness of Heaven. A meek person is truly blessed by becoming an heir to God’s Kingdom that began in the first coming of Jesus Christ, but to be fulfilled when He comes again. So, as a meek person, you can flex your muscles without becoming arrogant or rude. You flex them in all humility to show your “strength under control” by choosing to restrain yourself for the sake of others and in submission to God. So, go now, and flex your meek muscles!
Tomorrow – The Key to the Kingdom